The Lin Clan's courtyard buzzed with whispers when Tianyu returned. News of his success at the auction had spread like wildfire, leaving the clan members shocked and skeptical.
"Tianyu sold Spirit Condensation Pills? How is that possible?"
"He's just in the Qi Condenening Realm. Even our most skilled elders can't refine pills like that!"
Tianyu ignored the stares as he walked into the main hall, where his father, Lin Zhentian, waited. His elder brother, Lin Jie, stood by his side, arms crossed and eyes filled with doubt.
"Tianyu," Zhentian began, his voice heavy with curiosity. "I've heard the rumors. Did you truly refine those pills?"
Tianyu smiled faintly and placed the pouch of spirit stones on the table. "Father, you've underestimated me. These stones speak for themselves."
Lin Jie frowned. "It doesn't make sense. You've shown no talent in alchemy before. How did you suddenly manage to refine high-quality pills?"
"Let's just say I had a breakthrough," Tianyu said, his tone casual but firm.
Zhentian's gaze softened as he inspected the spirit stones. "Seventy low-grade spirit stones… This is a fortune for our clan. With this, we can finally repair the clan's defenses and buy cultivation resources for the younger generation."
Tianyu's expression darkened slightly. "Father, I don't intend for our clan to remain in this miserable state. We've been trampled on for far too long. It's time for the Lin Clan to rise."
Zhentian sighed. "It's a noble thought, Tianyu, but we lack the strength and connections. Even if we had the resources, we would draw the ire of the other clans."
"Leave that to me," Tianyu said, his eyes gleaming with determination. "Just give me time."
---
[Ding! New Task: Strengthen the Lin Clan.]
- Sub-Tasks:
1. Recruit talented individuals to the clan.
2. Improve the clan's alchemy capabilities.
3. Defend the clan against external threats.
- Rewards:
4. 500 System Points per sub-task.
5. Rare Alchemy Furnace upon task completion.
Tianyu chuckled. "System, you're making this too easy."
"Don't get cocky, Host," the system replied, its tone playful. "This is just the beginning. The road ahead is long, and the enemies will only get stronger."
"Good," Tianyu said. "It'd be boring otherwise."
---
The next morning, Tianyu secluded himself in his courtyard, ready to explore the system's store.
"System, open the store," he commanded.
A translucent screen appeared before him, filled with countless items organized by category: Alchemy, Cultivation Techniques, Martial Skills, Weapons, Pills, Formations, and Miscellaneous.
---
Alchemy Section:
1. Basic Herbology Manual (10 Points): A guide to identifying and harvesting common herbs.
2. Intermediate Alchemy Techniques (50 Points): Increases pill refinement success rate.
3. Spirit Fire Seed (100 Points): A mystical flame for alchemy.
Cultivation Techniques Section:
1. Azure Dragon Body Technique (500 Points): Enhances physical strength and qi absorption.
2. Flowing Water Sutra (200 Points): A mid-tier Foundation Establishment cultivation method.
Martial Skills Section:
1. Heaven Splitting Slash (300 Points): A powerful sword technique.
2. Thousand Shadow Steps (150 Points): A movement technique that creates afterimages.
Weapons Section:
1. Crimson Edge Sword (200 Points): A low-grade Spirit Weapon.
2. Black Iron Shield (100 Points): A durable defensive tool.
Pills Section:
1. Foundation Reinforcement Pill (50 Points): Enhances cultivation stability.
2. Qi Gathering Pill (30 Points): Speeds up qi absorption.
Formations Section:
1. Basic Defensive Formation (200 Points): Protects small areas from intruders.
2. Spirit Gathering Array (300 Points): Concentrates spiritual energy in a designated area.
---
Tianyu scrolled through the store, carefully weighing his options.
"System, what do you recommend for immediate growth?"
"You have 1,300 points, Host. I suggest purchasing the Intermediate Alchemy Techniques to enhance your pill refinement, the Spirit Gathering Array to improve cultivation speed, and the Thousand Shadow Steps for versatility in battle."
Tianyu nodded. "Makes sense. Add them to my cart."
[Intermediate Alchemy Techniques - 50 Points Deducted.]
[Spirit Gathering Array - 300 Points Deducted.]
[Thousand Shadow Steps - 150 Points Deducted.]
"Perfect," Tianyu said. "Now, let's test the Spirit Gathering Array."
---
Tianyu set up the Spirit Gathering Array in his courtyard, following the system's instructions. As the formation activated, a faint glow enveloped the area, and the spiritual energy in the air grew noticeably denser.
"Impressive," he muttered, sitting cross-legged to cultivate.
---
Two Hours Later
Tianyu opened his eyes, feeling his Foundation Establishment cultivation base stabilize significantly. "The difference is night and day."
His gaze shifted to the Intermediate Alchemy Techniques manual provided by the system. As he absorbed the knowledge, his understanding of pill refinement deepened, and new insights flooded his mind.
"This will make refining mid-grade pills a breeze," he said, smirking.
---
Later that evening, Lin Jie stormed into Tianyu's courtyard, his expression dark.
"Tianyu, what are you doing with all these strange formations? The clan members are starting to talk."
Tianyu raised an eyebrow. "Let them talk. Or better yet, let them cultivate here. The Spirit Gathering Array benefits everyone."
Lin Jie scowled. "Don't act like you're some kind of savior. You've been nothing but a disappointment until now. How can someone like you lead the clan to greatness?"
Tianyu's smirk widened. "Watch and learn, big brother. You'll be eating those words soon enough."
Lin Jie left in a huff, his pride clearly wounded.
---
[Ding! Task Update: Strengthen the Lin Clan.]
- Sub-Task 2 Progress: Alchemy capabilities improved by 10%.
Tianyu chuckled. "This is just the beginning."